tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84128999907724057842018-03-07T15:35:41.450-08:00A Little Girl In A Big City...Living Under the Shadows of Table Mountain...Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-25713079406397185932011-04-05T06:50:00.000-07:002011-04-05T07:35:29.624-07:00Keenwa. Taste of Peru<span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >I love discovering new restaurants and cafes especially ones that </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HFKm2NDQWEg/TZsnnhbYSaI/AAAAAAAABQM/C0e_A_NsYUI/s1600/IMG00228-20110405-1211.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HFKm2NDQWEg/TZsnnhbYSaI/AAAAAAAABQM/C0e_A_NsYUI/s320/IMG00228-20110405-1211.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592106922252192162" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >offer something different from the usual steak or pasta dishes. I had recently heard of a new place called Keenwa which specialises in authentic Peruvian food. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >When I heard about it I was down right excited to try Cape Town's first Peruvian restaurant. I just simply had to find it straight away.</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" ><br /><br />Keenwa unfortunately only opened in January th</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >is year seeing them miss the hub and rush of the World Cup a real pity seeing as though they are </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >positioned right in the middle of the fan walk on Waterkant Street</span>.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >Nevertheless this hasn't seen them fail to earn themselves a credible name in the restaurant business. With evening shifts busy and buzzing with hungry people the lunch time shift is a lot more quiet allowing for an intimate atmosphere and for one to absorb the names and different dishes on the menu. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qHL3xQF9qlY/TZsoQUDEFPI/AAAAAAAABQc/WIISgzxHw7Q/s1600/IMG00232-20110405-1232.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qHL3xQF9qlY/TZsoQUDEFPI/AAAAAAAABQc/WIISgzxHw7Q/s320/IMG00232-20110405-1232.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592107623035180274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >The menu itself is relatively small seeing it offer about 10 starters and 10 mains each, with a selection of desserts and f</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >or the not so hungry folk various sandwiches. Though in my mind you cannot come to a Peruvian restaurant and order a sandwich so we opted for a fully fledged Peruvian main meal which never disappointed. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >I ordered a dish called, "Filete Aguaymanto y Pesque de Quinoa". This dish was a choice of beef or Ostrich fillet accompanied with a gooseberry sauce on a bed of</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" > spinach Quinoa. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >I was simply blown away by the presentation of this dish. The meal was served on a blue and brown ceramic plate, with the green Quinoa in the middle topped with the steak and some deep friend vegetable strips. The Gooseberry sauce was drizzled along the side of the plate with sprinkles of Parmesan on the other side. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPiEYn3MiJE/TZsnoOov4TI/AAAAAAAABQU/ZaQGAGATZ80/s1600/IMG00230-20110405-1231.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPiEYn3MiJE/TZsnoOov4TI/AAAAAAAABQU/ZaQGAGATZ80/s320/IMG00230-20110405-1231.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592106934387859762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >The meat was cooked just to my liking of medium-rare with a succulent juicy taste to it. The Gooseberry sauce blew me away as it managed to maintain a fine balance of the sweet and sour of the berry, this complimented the steak and the spinach Quinoa perfectly. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >On previous occasions I have been disappointed at how Quinoa has been cooked but the Spinach Quinoa in this dish was cooked to perfection as it had the fine taste of spinach with an undercurrent of Parmesan in it whilst maintaining the texture of a well cooked Risotto. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >With each bite the dish kept on getting better and better as the flavours and textures worked so well together leaving this customer extremely satisfied and full. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ahNoYDERffk/TZsoQjhPQaI/AAAAAAAABQk/D8dtEc7ZfrA/s1600/IMG00234-20110405-1251.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ahNoYDERffk/TZsoQjhPQaI/AAAAAAAABQk/D8dtEc7ZfrA/s320/IMG00234-20110405-1251.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592107627188273570" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >The second dish called, Arroz Chaufa, that was ordered was a simple dish packed with powerful flavours. Arroz Chaufa is one of Peru's stable dishes of fried rice with chicken and beef. Simple but effective. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >The dish arrived in a bowl with chopped pieces of Chicken and Beef along with cut up peppers whilst the fried rice provided a great balance of crunch and softness. It was packed full of flavour and a portion generous enough to allow for a starter or a dessert. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >The meals were both scrumptious and satisfying whilst the service was excellent. The waiter attended to our every need and was able to answer all the questions our inquisitive minds were wondering about Peruvian cuisine. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:courier new;" >I cannot wait to return to Keenwa and to tell all my friends about it as it was a real joy and pleasure to be able to eat something that is out of the ordinary. With the Latin American music playing in the background, the photo's of Peru on the wall and the authentic cuisine it was as if we had escaped to Lima for the day. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-17062144069157499302011-02-15T22:37:00.000-08:002011-02-15T22:53:39.216-08:00Ultimate X 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/50232_147325115319281_6036163_n.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 285px;" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/50232_147325115319281_6036163_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: georgia;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >If you are fan of extreme sports then the V&amp;A Waterfront is the place </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: georgia;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >to be on Saturday 19 February where ABSA Life Extreme Presents the Ultimate X - Xtreme Games 2011. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: georgia;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Ultimate X sees 16 of South Africa's best riders in each category invited to participate against each other for a cash prize of R40 000 as well as the title of Ultimate X South Africa. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: georgia;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br />At just 80 bucks a pop everyone is welcome to join in the a day of fun filled with tricks and shows by the riders, while there will be sports stores, bars and food stores also available to the public. While the will be a three band line-up that will kick-off at 6pm, seeing Ree Birth start off the proceedings followed by Psychedelic techno band P.H Fat. Taxi Violence will close the event with another brilliant performance.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: georgia;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Your all day pass also includes access to the after party at the Assembly. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: georgia;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >For more details access the Facebook event page </span><a style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#%21/event.php?eid=147325115319281">here</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: georgia;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >is bound to be another brilliant event in Cape Town that is sure to bring in the crowds. Pictures of the event will follow. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-55375437893378518872011-02-02T05:19:00.000-08:002011-02-02T06:41:21.140-08:00February Brings The Fun<span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >T</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://marbellamarbella.es/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/faithless.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 295px;" src="http://marbellamarbella.es/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/faithless.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >he second month of the year is already upon us and this is when we are expected to have settled into our New Years resolutions, keep our main focus on work and family and let the partying slow down a bit. However; this will not be the case for South Africans as the month of love brings to our </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >front doors several huge live acts and concerts that simply cannot be missed. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" ><br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >On the weekend of the 3rd through to the 6th Hippies, Campers and rock band lovers will be heading up to the Brede River for a four day long rock concert called Up The Creek. This event is one on of the first outdoor rock festivals of the year which will see three stages and live comedy acts take place. With artists such as Boo! Captain Stu, Jack Parow and The Rudamentals this concert is one that you cannot miss out on. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" ><br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >Nevertheless for those that don't like the outdoor experience Faithless will also be bringing in the crowds on Friday the 4th as they will be performing live at Grand West Casino. Cape Town be ready for some heavy dance tunes.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rocksins.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Rammstein.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 216px;" src="http://www.rocksins.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Rammstein.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >Though if that was not enough the following weekend Grand West Casino have the pleasure of bringing in yet another sell out crowd and this time it will be to German rock legends Ramstien. The masters of heavy metal, rock and electronic they are bound to make their huge South African following go insane to their hard beats. Prepare for crowd surfing, marsh-pitting and plenty of chaos. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" ><br />Despite the rock and the dance concerts for the real nature loving hippies there are a few Trance festivals to go loose at too. On the 12th Beartrap are bringing down Celestial beings for some stomping under the stars whilst on the 26th Alien Safari presents Masked ball in what is guaranteed to be a colourful psy-affair. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >Whatever you do this February be safe and have fun!</span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-88571353267813373372011-01-28T05:25:00.000-08:002011-01-28T05:58:15.195-08:00Must Stop Shop: Mooiberge<span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-family: georgia;">As mentioned in my previous article on Hillcrest, Stellenbosch is one of my favourite places to go out and spend the day tasting wine and indulging in fine tasting foods.</span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olDKc7AfJ9g/TULKsOqzhjI/AAAAAAAABPA/2fCnGoY5tjs/s1600/trancing%2B014.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olDKc7AfJ9g/TULKsOqzhjI/AAAAAAAABPA/2fCnGoY5tjs/s320/trancing%2B014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567234950584043058" border="0" /></a><p style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">From central Cape Town there are two main ways in which one can enter into Stellenbosch and they are via the N1 or the N2. Depending which wine farm or place you are visiting it is sometimes easier to take one of these two routes.<br /></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">When accessing Stellenbosch from the N2 side there is one particular little place I like to stop at called Mooiberge. Nestled in and amongst the magnificent wine farms, Mooiberge lies on the main road from Sommerset West.<br /></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Upon driving past the little farm one takes more notice and the large strawberry and the strangely colourful scarecrows that are one display. These art works fool the passers by into what this little gem actually possesses.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olDKc7AfJ9g/TULLMr0KIFI/AAAAAAAABPI/xVNNAwrEgNU/s1600/trancing%2B013.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 209px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olDKc7AfJ9g/TULLMr0KIFI/AAAAAAAABPI/xVNNAwrEgNU/s320/trancing%2B013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567235508163715154" border="0" /></a></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Traditionally known as a small Strawberry farm, Mooiberge allows visitors to go out and pick their own strawberries, while afterwards they can relax at the little cafe that serves tea and cake. Inside there is a shop that has the most amazing dried fruit products and preserves imaginable.<br /></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">From dried banana chips, to strawberries; from date balls, to dried kiwis (yes kiwis and they are out of this word!!) Mooiberge has every form of dried fruit imaginable. They also have a wide selection of jams and preserves made from the fruit that can be seen in the shop.<br /></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">It is a must-stop shop and on my outings to Franshoek or Stellenbosch I always make sure I save time for a quick detour to Mooiberge to stock up on some healthy dried fruit and jams. </p>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-2598318855986421582011-01-20T00:49:00.000-08:002011-01-20T10:59:13.980-08:00Hillcrest Berry Farm.<span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >There is something quite magical about taking a day trip to the wine lands of Franshoek and Stellenbosch where the evergreen farms are surrounded by the mountains, with the animals roaming around the open fields.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >Personally you can't get anything better than the wine lands of Franshoek and Stellenbosch; the picturesque landscape is aw inspiring, while the magnificent tastes of the different wines could lead any teetotaller to drink, and not to mention the fine cuisine that is produced is purely sensational.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >Franshoek and 'Stellies'- as known to the locals- are famous for their fine-dining, award winning restaurants; seeing both towns blessed with famous Chefs such as David Higgs of Rust en Vrede and Margot Janse from The Tasting Room. While their food is aesthetically pleasing and sets alight all the human senses, there are other unknown smaller places that I like to try.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olDKc7AfJ9g/TTiF7nzVHHI/AAAAAAAABOw/2o8GO9Copko/s1600/trancing%2B016.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olDKc7AfJ9g/TTiF7nzVHHI/AAAAAAAABOw/2o8GO9Copko/s320/trancing%2B016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564344598959299698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >My favourite has to be Hillcrest Berry farm in Stellenbosch. Known for their famous berries and berry products such as jams, liqueurs and coulis; Hillcrest also has their own deli and farm shop.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >With an outside terrace that over looks one the many mountains and valleys that the wine lands have to offer, the view is perfect for one looking to soak up the sun, scenery and enjoy good food.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >With the weather gods blessing us with yet another perfect day in Cape Town there was no better option but to head to Hillcrest for a good, wholesome and healthy meal while admiring mother nature's landscapes.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >What sets Hillcrest apart from the rest is their constant changing of the menu. Every week or so new ingredients are brought in and the menu is constantly adapted to the season and the availability of ingredients. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >With a Chicken Cesar salad and a Goats cheese tart ordered, we sat back, soaked up the sun and admired the view. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >The Cesar Salad was one generous portion with chicken, croutons, bacon, egg and Parmesan shavings topped with an anchovy Cesar dressing. The dish it self was full of flavour and the different textures of the delicate chicken and crunchy croutons complimented each other well. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >My goats cheese tart was not a baked tart. The base was baked into a mini tart base and it was filled with rocket, warmed goat's cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, raspberry roasted onions topped with a freshly made pesto. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >The tart was amazing as the colours and display of the tart was perfect while the flavours of each individual ingredient could be distinguished but complimented each other in such a way that made the dish one unit. The homemade pesto was fantastic as it was covered in oil, the garlic wasn't pungent and every now and then one would stumble across some crunchy pine nut pieces. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >Both dishes were fresh and light; perfect for the hot summers day. Fourth time back and Hillcrest is yet to disappoint. A much highly recommended stop for anyone passing through Stellenbosch and Franshoek. They serve scrumptious breakfasts, light lunches and High tea, which is available all day. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Unfortunately no photo's were taken of the dishes. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-25162218156486806972011-01-17T04:47:00.000-08:002011-01-18T04:20:44.330-08:00MMD Brings Out the Deviant Species<span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >All I can is WOW. What a weekend, what a party, what awesome tracks. My mind is still honestly in a daze from the Trance party that saw MMD put on yet another mind blowing party </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >with their featured DJs Deviant Species. </span><br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs014.snc6/166445_10150140653850833_597800832_8462649_4521142_n.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 418px; height: 313px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs014.snc6/166445_10150140653850833_597800832_8462649_4521142_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >I wish I could honestly provide a full review on the actual event regarding the DJ's sets and beats but the party just seemed to whisp past so quic</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >kly with the drive to and from the event feeling like it was longer than the time spent at the actual party. </span><br /><br /> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" > The party was hosted in it's usual spot just outside of Langebaan called Vlak Vark. The venue was amazing in itself as it was the perfect size to host an intimate trance party of no more than 1500 people. The parking and camping area was within 400 metres away from the decks and the dance floor with an amazing plunge, rock pool right next to it. Bamboo fields sounded the main area which left me feeling rather uneasy as I kept on remembering the movie Signs when waking past it. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" > We arrived at the venue come 9pm with clear skies above us and the sound of heavy psy beats drawing us in. With more Vodka to the Coca Cola in our bottles it was time to hit the dance floor where everyone was in their own zone, stomping away to the beats. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" > I do remember Dirty Motion at 2:30am bringing in some pumping tracks that got the dance floor going crazy. On the side of the dance floor several Fire Poi were working their magic in and amongst the beats and strobing lumo lights. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >With the drinks running low once again we missioned for yet another top-up but we never made it back to the dance floor until sunrise as the fatigue took over our bodies. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs057.snc6/168752_10150140655775833_597800832_8462685_1165138_n.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 259px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs057.snc6/168752_10150140655775833_597800832_8462685_1165138_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >There is something about the Sunday day session. Described as 'the playground' this is the time where everyone goes that little bit more crazy. With mud pits forming in front of the stage, people with water guns squirting each other, and a race to finish off all the remaining alcohol in the boots of the car takes place. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >The acts that stood out for me where featured DJ's Deviant Species, Rubix Cube vs Lunar, and undoubtedly Super Evil who come close every time to stealing the limelight with their live act of James Copeland on the decks and Adriano Rodigues melting down the strings on his guitar. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >These acts set the tone for an afternoon packed full of pure mayhem and debauchery. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >I know I keep saying this with every passing festival but the weekend just keep on getting better and better. The Venue was awesome, the people so friendly and relaxed and the sets definitely a manipulation of the mind. Thank you MMD for an epic party. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-77244079965866271942011-01-09T23:45:00.000-08:002011-01-10T05:25:21.036-08:00L'Ormarins Queen's Plate<span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >Before I start this post, I would like to say a very big thank you to the gents from MyCityByNight who kindly provided me with a ticket and allowed me to tag along with them to the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate at Kenilworth Race course. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" ><br /><br />Last Sunday saw the 150 consecutive Queen's Plate event take place in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. The Queen's Plate is an annual horse racing event that provides the perfect excuse for the usual laid back, casual Cape Townians to dress up. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" ><br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >With the theme 'Timeless Elegance' Cape Town's finest gathered to the race course dressed to the nines in what was a strictly blue and white theme. With a fine array of Haute Couture, vintage cars and delectable cuisine it was time for the races, betting and of course the sampling of wines. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olDKc7AfJ9g/TSsIEzQ8YhI/AAAAAAAABOQ/z6G7UwzRZiU/s1600/QP.bmp"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_olDKc7AfJ9g/TSsIEzQ8YhI/AAAAAAAABOQ/z6G7UwzRZiU/s200/QP.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560547043492782610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >Upon arrival a free R20 betting voucher was given to each individual, so it was only natural to place at least one bet. We arrived in time to place our bets on the fourth race. Without looking at any odds or making any calculations myself and my 'date' chose two random numbers and hoped that Lady Luck would be on our side with a win and a place. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" ><br /><br />True to form the Old Lady brought in the luck with my horse 'Seal of Approval' winning and the gent's 'Silver Apple' coming in second. Our grand winnings altogether? Eighty one big ones.... time for our second bottle of wine!</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" >As the races continued, the betting increased, the wine flowed, the people began to loosen up whilst enjoying the warm midday sun. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" ><br /><br />Various prizes were given throughout the afternoon for the best dressed and best hat. However paying attention to the prizes proved rather difficult, after having positioned ourselves in a prime position in the wine tent, with quite possibly our fourth bottle of wine having already been drunk. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" ><br /><br />After the main race live singers and bands came on to perform their part in the event but we did not linger long enough to see them as the stomachs were calling for a plate of dinner. Acts included Locnville, Gazelle, Crazy White Boy and Louise Carver and Zebra &amp; Giraffe. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:georgia;" ><br /><br />The Queen's Plate was a fun, fantastic and different way to spend a Saturday afternoon; being able to dress up, watch horses racing and drinking wine was an absolute delight and I had an absolute blast. Once again the biggest thank you to MyCityByNight and the gents. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-42444189085121181632011-01-06T02:06:00.000-08:002011-01-06T04:01:51.624-08:00Rezonance. New Years Eve Jol<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-ZA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="&#45;-"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: georgia;">There has always been a huge hype around New Year’s Parties where places, clubs and people compete to see who can host the most glamouress New Years eve party of them all. Personally I find New Years eve to be terribly overrated seeing one pay a lot of money to go out to a party and half the time heading home rather disappointed. </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: georgia;">However this year I opted for something different. </span> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">After failing to have a good New Years for the past four years running I decided to camp out and do it the hippie way at Rezonance in Contermanskloof Estate in Durbanville.<br /><br />Rezonance is one of the most famous New Year’s trance parties to hit the South African stage and it sure lived up to its reputation of non-stop banging music, continuou<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs561.ash2/148321_467738508854_553808854_5833016_2456967_n.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 434px; height: 325px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs561.ash2/148321_467738508854_553808854_5833016_2456967_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>s stomping, free flowing drinking, audacious behaviour and just plain fun! </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">We got there at about lunch time on the Friday in the scorching hot weather. After having our car directed to a field miles away (it was closer to Jo'Burg than anything else) from the camp site and the stages we eventually started the great trek with our tent, bags, and of course the most important part ...the alcohol -down to the camp site. Setting up camp was a struggle as the heat was unbearable and all we wanted to do was check out the venue and start listening to some good Dub-step tunes. </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">Following the huge struggle with the heat in putting up all our tents we finally made our way down to the main area where the dub-Step tent had already started pumping out the heavy tunes. The drinks where already flowing and people were just lazing about under the shade, by the dam or in the camp site. Not much happened until the late afternoon when the trance tent eventually got up and running; after all 90% of the people that came through to Rezonance were there for the trance. </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">Organik Panik had the honour of getting the stomping started at the Trance tent, whipping out some heavy tunes and slowly bringing in the masses. As more and more people gathered to the stomping ground it became impossible to find my friends. I met a bunch of four guys who kindly decided to look after me and allow me to stomp on their cooler box. </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">Now being a good two heads above most people I had the perfect view of watching everyone come in and get into the feel of things as the trance took over their body and minds. I was able to see how people interacted with each other, the DJ and the music: a beautiful sight to behold as pure joy was written across everyone’s face as the sound waves electrified through their bodies. </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">Five hours had past with a tad bit of too much alcohol having been consumed and stomping on the cooler box having now become my trademark. Artifakt brought the year to a close in style as a wave of heavy beats just kept on coming in. But it was Super Evil who would steal the show and everyone’s souls. </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">In between the changeover of Artifakt and Super Evil, Triksy by the Commercial Hippies, was played on the sound system as a dragon and various other props were brought onto the stage. By this stage everyone was high on life, and perhaps other shizz, but they were all getting even more hyped up for the New Year. </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">I somehow managed to miss the countdown for the New Year as I was too busy having a drunken argument with a friend on how to put on his T-shirt. But that was the least of the worries as Super Evil sent shock waves through everyone’s bodies with their killer beats and sound waves; each track sending a different emotion through our bodies. </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">It was Super Evil’s impressive set that set everyone up on a high by providing us with good vibes and endless energy to party right through the night. By 5am lighting and thunder had started and the skies had opened up, providing a great change in temperature. The lightning display was a psychedelic as the lights at the main stage providing its own show. Despite the gloomy weather conditions it was impossible to put a damper to the party as we continued to stomp if not harder!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs203.snc3/21061_237518671930_703671930_3774263_3564120_n.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 464px; height: 348px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs203.snc3/21061_237518671930_703671930_3774263_3564120_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">As the sun rose some of the sleepers started to show face again and it was a unanimous decision amongst the all nighters that sleep was not even an option. We powered through the rain and by mid day the sun was out again and the weather was cooking hot. </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">Chabunk ended off the day’s trance vibe to make way for the techno bands like Goldfish and Napalma who played heavy beats and continued to keep the stompers attention. Nevertheless come sunset the trance was back and it was time to party harder as I made my way to the Techno DubStep tent to listen to the likes of El Gordo and PH Fat.<br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">I had the utmost pleasure in having an awesome jamming partner and one of Cape Town's most renowned partiers beside me I managed to meet the likes of El Gordo, Pascal and Anthea. They were all so chilled and super cool, making my night even more better. But it was time for a quick stomping session and some more drinking vibes before a much needed rest.<br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately come 11pm I was dead tired after having been awake since 5am the Friday morning; it was time to call it a night and put to rest the broken body, mind and soul. Come Sunday the body had had enough, aching from head to toe and freezing and damp from the misty weather conditions I stayed to watch Broken Toy who pulled off yet another killer set. Despite really wanting to see Headroom and Gandalf it was time to make tracks and give the body a hot shower, proper food that didn’t consist of liquid and a comfy bed. </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="MsoNormal">All in all it was the best weekend ever; putting an end to a year that has been the most testing on a personal level, whilst definitely starting off the New Year on the right foot. Thank you to all who made this weekend magical: the DJ’s, the people, the heavy beats it was all too insane! Once again another weekend for the memory books. * Stomp Stomp Stomp!!*</p>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-70261166031177799402010-12-14T01:03:00.000-08:002010-12-14T01:29:58.321-08:00Hudsons on Somerset<span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >If you like Burgers there really is only two places where </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >one can go in Cape Town and truly enough a wholesome, and relatively healthy burger; those are Royale Eatery and Hudsons Burger joint.<br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >Yesterday the new Hudsons- on the corner of Somerset and Portswood Road in Green Point- was calling our name to be tried out.<br />After having taken my friend to Royale Eatery several month back he was aching to try out the much raved Hudsons, and the new one was the perfect opportunity. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" ><br /><br />Situated across the road and next to the Cape Royale Hudsons on </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >Somerset has taken over the corner spot which was previously occupied by Melissa's and Bravado. Some consider that corner cursed but if Hudsons keep up to their great standards business should not be a problem.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://albums.24.com/DisplayImage.aspx?id=cb6e016e-1445-4620-bd59-b9402a957b64&amp;t=m"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 439px; height: 292px;" src="http://albums.24.com/DisplayImage.aspx?id=cb6e016e-1445-4620-bd59-b9402a957b64&amp;t=m" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >With an improvement to the menu; seeing new burgers being offered, starters, sliders, salads and even pizza's there is much more to choose from. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >I opted for 'The Game'. As the name suggest it is an ostrich patty topped with cranberry sauce, goats cheese and rocket. It was scrumptiously delicious and a great pleasure to see ostrich patties being served on the menu.<br /><br />Royale Eatery only offer one type of burger with the ostrich patty whereas Hudsons can add it to any burger you desire. Very happy customer!! </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" ><br /><br />While my friend decided to go for 'The Player'; a beef patty that had bacon, avocado and feta on it. Sounding more like a pizza topping he said the burger was really tasty and he enjoyed it very much. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >The food overall was full of flavour, well presented and a definite winner.<br /><br />The service however was a bit of a let down as the waitresses seemed unsure of themselves and once we had eaten they never bothered to ask us if we wanted dessert or coffee. After failing to grab their attention to ask to see the dessert menu the bill arrived in fornt of us without even having asked for it. This was a bit of a let down but it is still early days and I am sure it will improve with time. </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" ><br /><br />Nevertheless Hudsons comes as recommended restaurant for the Burger lovers and for anyone keen to have a chilled night eating good wholesome food. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-83189714090371877632010-12-10T07:18:00.001-08:002010-12-10T08:10:37.701-08:00Sizzling Summer Vibes<span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: courier new;">To all the fabulous Cape Townians it certainly looks like summer has decided to finally bless the beautiful "Mother City" with scorchers of hot days, followed directly by a fogged in day which is bound to be taken away the pumping South Easter. Yes, summer is definitely here and what a fabulous summer it will be.</span><br /><a style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: courier new;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.aliensafari.net/images/slideshow/img_7.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 252px;" src="http://www.aliensafari.net/images/slideshow/img_7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: courier new;">There is so much to do this summer as Cape Town is hosting event after event, latest fashion trends are being worn in style and of course Christmas is just days away. Cape Town just keeps on getting better with each passing season making it no surprise that it is one of the top tourist destinations.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: courier new;">From now up until the New Year comes upon us in full force there are several events that CANNOT be missed. Whether you prefer to have a relaxing day in the gardens having a picnic, or trancing it up at one of the wine farms, or simply lounging in the sun and enjoying a few sundowners and a good meal Cape Town certainly has it all.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: courier new;">This weekend sees Trance Heads stomping it out at Awesomeville on Saturday 11 December through to Sunday afternoon. This psychedelic trance party sees hot international and local acts bust the decks with the likes of D_Maniac, Commercial Hippies, Snitch and Headroom playing. It is the second last trance party of the year before Rezonance sends all the hippies into the New Year on the December 31 through to January 2nd.</span><a style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: courier new;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.essentialtravel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/new-CT-eYE-PIC.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 416px; height: 310px;" src="http://blog.essentialtravel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/new-CT-eYE-PIC.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: courier new;">If you prefer a more relaxing day and being one with God's greatest gifts; Nature and Music, the Kirstenbosch summer concerts are the way to go. Pack up a picnic basket, grab a bottle of bubbly and some blankets and head down to Kirstenbosch gardens where every weekend there is a different band or artist. From Carols to Candle Light, to individual musical geniuses or rock bands there is something for everyone. For the Concert Line-up click </span><a style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: courier new;" href="http://www.oldmutual.co.za/about-us/sponsorship/arts-and-lifestyle/kirstenbosch-concerts.aspx">here </a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: courier new;">While the Fairest Wheel at the V&amp;A Waterfront is still up and running and is something that must be tried along with the ice-rink that has been put up outside for the duration of the school holidays. Table Mountain are also offering half price tickets at Sunset which is perfect to take your loved one for some sundowners before going out for a divine dinner. Finally the Wine lands are always an option with Stellenbosch and Franschoek producing some of the World's best wines and cuisine; a day out in mountainous suburbs cannot be missed!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-family: courier new;">There is so much on offer in Cape Town and it would be a pity if one never took the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and not do something they haven't experienced yet. Life is now, go live it. My motto has always been; Take risks: have no regrets.</span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-78380803415103698042010-12-02T05:13:00.000-08:002010-12-04T21:53:58.335-08:00Cape Town's Secret Gem: Cafe Max<span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >When it comes to food there is nothing I enjoy more than stumbling across tiny and relatively unknown cafes and restaurants that serve good, wholesome, fresh food. Today I decided to head back to a good old favourite that I hadn't been to for some time, and boy am I glad I went. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olDKc7AfJ9g/TPsofS4Th0I/AAAAAAAABNo/9DA2cJIFE-A/s1600/IMG00149-20101202-1227.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 179px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_olDKc7AfJ9g/TPsofS4Th0I/AAAAAAAABNo/9DA2cJIFE-A/s200/IMG00149-20101202-1227.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547071884145952578" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >Previously known as Cafe Maxime, which opened in 2007, it has now been re-changed to Cafe Max. Located in Waterkant Street, Cafe Max is off the beaten track of all the other well-known places in the De Waterkant area, but the food is just as good, if not better. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >I first tried Cafe Max when it first opened and instantly fell in love with it's quaint, girly feel to it with silver and pink stripped walls. The lamb burger with roasted balsamic cherry tomatoes was an instant winner for me then but the menu has changed since then. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >Breakfast is now served all day for those wanting to get in their egg and croissant fix for the day or you could create a Meze platter for two or three people, as well as choosing from a list of Max favourites or the menu of the day. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >It was so difficult deciding what to opt for as the relatively small menu was bursting with so many different temptations. I decided to go for the Chicken salad dressed in freshly made Honey and Mustard dressing.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >As far as Chicken salads go this was the most amazing one I have ever had. The chicken breasts were cut into slithers and freshly cooked in the kitchen so upon arrival the actually chicken was so warm and tender. The salad was sprinkled with cashew nuts </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >caramelised in the honey and mustard dressing with avocado cut on top. The actual dressing was a proper concoction of honey and whole grain mustard that was made fresh as it was also still warm when drizzled across the chicken and the salad. The tastes of the fresh honey and msutard dressing with the warm chicken, soft avocado and crunchy cashews just blended so well together as all the different textures left me feeling highly satisfied and glad that I returned.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olDKc7AfJ9g/TPso08pvLMI/AAAAAAAABNw/uozQ9z6LF6w/s1600/IMG00150-20101202-1227.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olDKc7AfJ9g/TPso08pvLMI/AAAAAAAABNw/uozQ9z6LF6w/s320/IMG00150-20101202-1227.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547072256136391874" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" > </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >My mother ordered the crepe of the day. This was a generous</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" > helping of a large crepe filled with sweetcorn, cherry tomatoes, artichokes and some melted Parmesan shavings. The dish was as appetising as it sounds as once it was cut into the Parmesan and sauce came oozing out with the colourful vegetables. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >The service was good and friendly as we were greeted by the Chef and the waiter upon arrival. The gentle smells of the kitchen slowly drifted through the restaurant making us more hungry. t certainly was a delight returning back to Cafe Max and I will be sure to return again. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-39684444823790786232010-11-28T07:38:00.001-08:002010-12-01T20:30:57.641-08:00Synergy, You Beast!!<span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);" class="longtext"><span style="" lang="EN">I could never understand the hype surrounding the whole outdoor, weekend party experience. </span><span title="">Mud and grass in all places, the hard floor to sleep on, dirty toilets and showers, and a 72 hour long booze fest definitely did not sound like my cup of tea. <span style=""> </span>Though I admit there was a tinkle of temptation to find out why it was so highly rated.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1201.snc4/155325_464086646075_716166075_6271640_7557156_n.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 391px; height: 293px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1201.snc4/155325_464086646075_716166075_6271640_7557156_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN"><span title="">With University exams finally over I decided to hit one of the biggest festivals for an awesome post-exam party, Synergy was the way to go with an impressive line-up of local rock bands and some electro and drum and bass artists that were guaranteed to knock everyone’s socks off <span style=""> </span>the temptation was at an all time high. I just had to look beyond the whole camping thing for two nights.</span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN"><span title="">When we arrived on Friday afternoon in Franschoek the heat was at its peak. </span><span title="">It is still</span></span><span style="" lang="EN"><span title=""> surprising how we managed to take carry all our bags from the car through to the camp site and still set up camp. </span><span title="">The sweat was dripping from each beautiful specimen there; disgusting I know, but this was Synergy, and everything goes in Synergy!</span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN">Disappointingly the entrance into the main area was delayed as Feeder still has to do<span style=""> </span>their sound check.<span style=""> </span>With little shade available and the pelting heat exhausting everyone, tempers started to become on edge as all they wanted was to get to the river to cool down. <span style=""> </span>However; once the gates were finally opened all was forgotten and everyone was ready to have a great party.
<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN">
<br /><span title="">After a quick look-about at the stages and the stores we hit the river for a quick cool down before deciding to go to the rock stage. By this stage the drinking had already began so spirits were high all round. At the main stage we stayed to watch the Dirty Skirts, Black Hotels, and Foto Na Dans who got everyone up on </span></span><span style="" lang="EN"><span title="">their feet ready to stomp the whole weekend. </span><span title="">There was no denying that the music played was amazing. From the singing, to the guitar solos all the bands rocked and they rocked it hard. But by 10pm the time had come for me to go to the Electro stage to see PHFAT and Hyphen.</span>
<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN"><span title="">Finally after much persu</span></span><span style="" lang="EN"><span title="">asion on my end to convince the friends to join me, they finally did as they we awed by the sound and the bass that was pumping out of the Electro tent. Psychedelic-Bass rappers PHFAT once again pulled in the crowds as they owned the stage: their song “Big Five” once again a winner amongst the audience.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs991.snc4/76434_464088771075_716166075_6271686_5487238_n.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 367px; height: 275px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs991.snc4/76434_464088771075_716166075_6271686_5487238_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="longtext"><span style="" lang="EN">After a strong performance by the PHFAT boys the god of Drum and Bass, Hyphen, was up next and he ensured that the audience size only increased. Hyphen pumped out some heavy, wicked tunes as the bass shook through the floor up through everyone’s feet; taking over their body and mind (and no alcohol was not solely to blame). <span style=""> </span>His own mix of the Barbara Streisand song by Duck Sauce came on, which was soon to become the Synergy theme song, got everyone pumping even more for the acts to follow. A special appearance from MC Psyke was the perfect touch to Hyphen’s mind blowing beats raising the bar even</span></span><span class="longtext"><span style="" lang="EN"> more for<span style=""> </span>Niskerone and SFR who were closing the set. <span style="">
<br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN">Despite the killer electric waves running through our bodies we had to force ourselves back to the main stage to witness Jax Panik’s first live performance. <span style=""> </span>I am a firm believer that you start off with rock and you end with electro and not the other way round, and that opinion is still to remained unchanged.
<br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN">Departing on such a high from the Electro tent we felt that Jax Panik had to put out one world-class performance to keep us on the music high. Starting with his most well known song “Get up” we thought he may just well pull it off but we slowly started to lose momentum and energy as the songs became less unknown and we struggled to hear his voice above the electronic waves of his band. Despite this I will give Jax Panik the benefit of the doubt as it was his first live gig and he will grow with experience. I will happily go and see him once more. With the live acts over our Friday was completed but the fun was only beginning as we headed out back to the tent to meet up with the rest of the mates. <span style=""> </span>Friday was definitely the start of what was to be the best weekend of this year.
<br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN">Saturday morning arrives; cold, misty and wet... </span><span style="" lang="EN">eish ...the weather reflecting how everyone was feeling:<span style=""> </span>heavy heads, aching muscles, rings around everyone’s eyes, and dirty clothes covered in mud and leaves. Yet a glimmer of a smile could still be seen on everyone’s faces as they recalled the madness, naughtiness and drunken escapades from the night before. <span style="">
<br /></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN">We started off the day slowly, whether that was due to the hangover and sore body or the endless queues I am yet to figure it out. A chilled session by the tent for the majority of the day helped us regain our strength for what was to be another epic night. The line-ups at both the electro tent and the main stage were killer so I ran between sets and jammed where ever I could.<span style=""> </span>Though undoubtedly Mix and Blend got my ball rolling and my energy levels pumping. But Hog Hoggidy Hog called my name as I was dragged to the main stage by the friends to watch some punk- come-ska music. <span style=""> </span>I think I got my full weeks gym work out in the amount of running and jamming I did between the two stages. I am still unsure as to how I managed to not fall once in my drunken state.... yet that does not explain why both my hamstrings still ache today??</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs608.ash2/156088_464118126075_716166075_6272171_5400485_n.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 379px; height: 285px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs608.ash2/156088_464118126075_716166075_6272171_5400485_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN">Come 21:45 there was no question were I was to be. Following a mass attack by my two guy mates I decided to mission solo to the Electro tent to see Haezer play.<span style=""> </span>I was not going to let a stupid argument ruin the most epic weekend ever. When the Electro god stepped out onto the decks the masses were all around the tent, the crowd was huge and the energy levels were pumping. I somehow managed to squeeze myself into the front centre and I jammed hard to what was the most insane Electro beats. Heazer pulled it off once again and he did it in an awesome style.
<br /></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN">I must admit I would hate to have been El Gordo having to play straight after an undoubtedly crowd favourite. Nevertheless the youngster pulled out some sick tunes which kept the crowd pumped. Goldfish the final gig of the night did what everyone knew they would do and play their best most popular tunes. They made the perfect end to what was the most awesome experience ever.
<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN">Synergy you turned innocent people into crazy, drunken people, you and with the influence of lots and lots of alcohol took over our minds and body. You broke our bodies but we regained strength for a second round on the Saturday night. I made awesome new friends, experienced the most epic weekend ever, and jammed to the sickest beats I have ever heard. Thank you Synergy, you may have taken some of our memories- but you put a smile on everyone’s face leaving us only wanting more!!</span></p><p style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN">So despite my skepticism about outdoor parties I can now say I understand the hype and I am already planning my next music festival. <span style=""> </span>Rock on! </span></p> <script id="gtbTranslateElementCode">var gtbTranslateOnElementLoaded;(function(){var lib = null;var checkReadyCount = 0;function sendMessage(message, attrs) { var data = document.getElementById("gtbTranslateElementCode"); for (var p in attrs) { data.removeAttribute(p); } for (var p in attrs) { if ("undefined" != typeof attrs[p]) { data.setAttribute(p, attrs[p]); } } var evt = document.createEvent("Events"); evt.initEvent(message, true, false); document.dispatchEvent(evt);}function checkLibReady (){ var ready = lib.isAvailable(); if (ready) { sendMessage("gtbTranslateLibReady", {"gtbTranslateError" : false}); return; } if (checkReadyCount++ > 5) { sendMessage("gtbTranslateLibReady", {"gtbTranslateError" : true}); return; } setTimeout(checkLibReady, 100);}gtbTranslateOnElementLoaded = function () { lib = google.translate.TranslateService({}); sendMessage("{EVT_LOADED}", {}, []); var data = document.getElementById("gtbTranslateElementCode"); data.addEventListener("gtbTranslate", onTranslateRequest, true); data.addEventListener("gtbTranslateCheckReady", onCheckReady, true); data.addEventListener("gtbTranslateRevert", onRevert, true); checkLibReady();};function onCheckReady() { var ready = lib.isAvailable(); sendMessage("gtbTranslateLibReady", {"gtbTranslateError" : !ready});}function onTranslateRequest() { var data = document.getElementById("gtbTranslateElementCode"); var orig = data.getAttribute("gtbOriginalLang"); var target = data.getAttribute("gtbTargetLang"); lib.translatePage(orig, target, onProgress);}function onProgress(progress, opt_finished, opt_error) { sendMessage("gtbTranslateOnProgress", {"gtbTranslateProgress" : progress, "gtbTranslateFinished" : opt_finished, "gtbTranslateError" : opt_error});}function onRevert() { lib.restore();}})(); (function(){var d=window,e=document;function f(b){var a=e.getElementsByTagName("head")[0];a||(a=e.body.parentNode.appendChild(e.createElement("head")));a.appendChild(b)}function _loadJs(b){var a=e.createElement("script");a.type="text/javascript";a.charset="UTF-8";a.src=b;f(a)}function _loadCss(b){var a=e.createElement("link");a.type="text/css";a.rel="stylesheet";a.charset="UTF-8";a.href=b;f(a)}function _isNS(b){b=b.split(".");for(var a=d,c=0;c<b.length;++c)if(!(a=a[b[c]]))return b="b.split(" a="d,c=" a="a[b[c]]||(a[b[c]]=" readystate="=" readystate="complete" c="_setupNS('google.translate._const');c._cl=" _cuc="'gtbTranslateOnElementLoaded';c._cac=" _cam="'lib';var" h="'translate.googleapis.com';var" b="(window.location.protocol=" _pah="h;c._pbi=" _pci="b+'/translate_static/img/te_ctrl3.gif';c._phf=" _pli="b+'/translate_static/img/loading.gif';c._plla=" _pmi="b+'/translate_static/img/mini_google.png';c._ps=" _puh="'translate.google.com';_loadCss(c._ps);_loadJs(b+'/translate_static/js/element/main.js');})();</script"></script>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-63330470713603852252010-11-21T20:39:00.000-08:002010-11-21T21:00:13.585-08:0030 Seconds To Mars. Enough Said.<span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >When you hear the name 30 Seconds to Mars you immediately think insane rock music, powerful lyrics and of course Jared Leto. The band needs little introduction to South Africans who idolise and admire the amazing chords and tunes the band strings together while of course being blown away by Jared Leto's ability to hit certain note that fails 99% of us. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >Last night saw the close of 30 Seconds To Mars' World Tour in South Africa seeing them playing one night in Johannesburg and two in Cape Town. The concert was held at the Grand Arena at Grand West Casino. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/favourite-people/Jared%20Leto/jared_leto_01.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 249px;" src="http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/favourite-people/Jared%20Leto/jared_leto_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >Out of the three rock concerts that I had the privilege to attend this year Jared Leto and co won me over as they put on one of the most powerful performances ever. From opening up with "Beautfil Lie" to Jared performing a solo acoustic set of "Alibi" in the crowd to their final song of "King and Queens" the rock trio had everyone on their feet the whole night. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >The stage presence that Leto has and his endless energy was fantastic to see as he belted out those high notes leaving all the ladies in tears. His acoustic version of "Alibi" singing in the middle of the audience silenced everyone in the Arena as the rock star turned the song it such beauty. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:courier new;" >It was a night to remember and for anyone who wasn't a fan before and got to see them live is surely a fan now. Thank you to 5FM and Big Concerts for organising the return of this rock trio, we now wait in anxiety for their next return. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-60547633847500327452010-10-12T09:37:00.000-07:002010-10-12T10:52:07.263-07:00Bread Cafe' at the Bromwell<span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >There is something about Woodstuck that has an air of mysticism in it. It maybe the run down old buildings that are contrasted by modern new office and apartment blocks that have been built, or the variety of different cultures living in the area, or the little Cafe's and shops that have turned a once very dangerous and run down area into one of Cape Town's up-and-coming hot spots. Which ever it may be it is always an adventurous learning curve going there. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >Today I had the great pleasure of treating my mom to a much needed mother-daughter lunch session. I couldn't decide where to go but I knew I wanted it to be a place we had never been to before and something rather different, what better place than finding a hidden gem in Woodstock?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >I tried to avoid opting for the Old Biscuit Mill as we all know it is a wonderful place; I wanted something that one wouldn't usually go to and I found the most ideal place. It was Bread Cafe' at the Bromwell. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >The Bromwell is one of the brightest and one of the many newly upgraded buildings along Albert Road. Its colours of black and red are catching to the eye while its sharp Gothic features leaves everyone wanting to know what's inside. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >Upon walking in you are greeted by the reception lady who will show you to Bread Cafe's or to the gallery, art deco shop upstairs. The Cafe's is beautifully decorated with wonderful chairs and couches, while the food from the bakery is on display as soon as one walks in. Leaving one drooling before reaching their seat. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >The menu is simple yet brilliant. I opted for the roast beef sandwich on rye that had a coriander tatziki spread on the bottom, while pickled onions were put on top of the beef with a side salad accompanying the dish. The sandwich was beautifully presented and the flavours of the beef were so tasty and tender. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >My mom had a very generous portion of a Walnut and Gorgonzola salad that was bursting with colour and it never failed to disappoint. Two huge pieces of their homemade Baguette accompanied the salad with a little dish of Olive Oil and Balsamic vinegar. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >Bread is definitely a place that I will be return to soon and it comes highly recommended. Despite the location the building is safe with a secure parking space with a security guard on watch at all times.A definite must for all!</span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-84285828696894282902010-10-07T11:53:00.000-07:002010-10-07T12:05:15.978-07:00Lets Rock Our Own Daisies!<span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">So this coming weekend Cape Townians will be on a wave of excitement as Rocking the Daisies returns in full force at Cloof Wine Estate in Darling. For the select, unfortunate few who won't be attending- be it for funds, transport or work and university reasons- there are still some things happening in the Mother City that will help ease the pain. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Friday night Fiction Club have created a party for the 'non-Daisies' goers; seeing free entrance all night and drinks at R10 a pop. A fine deal to help take your mind off the rocking party your friends are having in Darling. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Assembly also have a massive gig on where Discotheque presents Electric City with El Gordo and Double Adapter. Entrance fee is R40 (presale) and R60 at the door. This promises to be an awesome night as the line-up is once again top-notch. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Saturday also sees some good entertainment as Newlands rugby stadium will host the Western Province versus the Sharks at 5pm. This allows for a perfect opportunity to gather the family and friends, a couple of beers and some meat and do the 'All out Rugby and Braai day'. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">So don't fear should you not be going to Rocking the Daisies, there is still plenty to do in Cape Town, lets rock our own daisies this weekend. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-38244188214615086202010-10-03T09:49:00.001-07:002010-10-04T05:46:31.155-07:00Stellenbosch: Die Wijnhuis<span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Fine wine, good food and family is the perfect combination for a Sunday lunch out in the farm lands. Today my family and I headed out to Stellenbosch for a birthday treat for my mother. The selected restaurant of choice; Die Wijnhuis, one of Stellies oldest restaurants in the town. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">For starters the table had a selected of beef carpaccio, fried and grilled calamari as well as Zucchini carpaccio. The starters where generous portions that were full of flavour and the presentation was pleasing to the eye. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The zucchini carpaccio by far was the most impressive, as it is very rarely seen on a menu, but the dish was tasty itself. With rockets, pine nuts and Parmesan shavings accompanying it with a final drizzled with olive oil was a perfect starter for a hot day. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">For mains veal limone, beef tagliata with a mushroom and pepper sauce, ostrich medallions in red wine, chicken schnitzel with linguine and fillet stakes were ordered by the family. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The meat dishes were tender and bursting with juicy flavours as well as colourful to the eye. The tagliata saw a mixture of sauteed peppers, onions and mushrooms lad across the beef that was full of rich but not over powering flavours. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The fillet was accompanied with a sauce of your choice; in this case it was the green pepper sauce. While each main dish was already generous with just the respective protein on the plate seasonal vegetables accompanied the meal that were very crisp and light. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The meals were very generous and for what you pay it is worth the price. A definite recommended as the service, and the food were a winner. It is no wonder why this is one of the oldest restaurants in the little town of Stellenbosch. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-46272650133709910962010-09-09T08:59:00.000-07:002010-09-09T09:17:35.215-07:00Kauai, Camps Bay: A Disaster!<span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Unfortunately another negative review is on the cards and this time Kauai are being named and shamed. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">When Kauai first opened I was the first to embrace the 'healthy' food and the new items it brought to South African food. I loved the whole health concept and the smoothies that had a little something for everyone. Their portions were beyond generous but the quality and variations were great. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Unfortunately I feel that their quality has dropped somewhat. The service is shocking and the food either takes forever or it just isn't as nice as it used to be. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Today I went down to Camps Bay and all we ordered was one smoothie and a coffee. Being lactose intolerant I know that places that offer soya products so Kauai was a natural choice. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Upon arriving there I asked for a coffee with soya milk. They flat out refused to make it for despite their menu saying "we offer soya alternatives". I realise they don't have the actual soya milk and use the soya power (which I fail to see why they don't have the normal milk either) instead but that did not bother me as I had drunk the coffee like that before. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">I felt like they were dishing out a 100 and one reasons as to why they could not give me the coffee with soya powder. Finally they gave in and they placed the order. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">We waited 25minutes for just a smoothie and the coffee to arrive, while people that had ordered after us and had ordered food received their orders way before we even got served our two drinks. The staff didn't offer an apology, nothing. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">But to top it off, the coffee they gave me tasted like dirty water and after two sips I left it there and refused to drink it again. It will be a very long time until I step foot inside Kauai in Camps Bay. A real pity. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-5583230935732017962010-09-05T09:29:00.001-07:002010-09-06T04:25:01.192-07:00Simon's at Groot Constantia<span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">It breaks my heart to have to write this review but I have I feel it is my duty to report on the bad as often as I report on the good as it is only fair.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">I first tried out Simon's in Groot Constantia when they opened up several years ago and they left a lasting impression on me. Their burgers were so tasty and tender and the presentation of the food was well done and so colourful leaving me so desperately wanting to return. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Unfortunately it took several years to return but I jumped at the offer to go there for lunch. For starters we ordered the Oysters, Camembert and Cranberry and Blue cheese with fig preserve spring rolls as well as Bobotjie Dumplings. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The Oysters were delicious as well as the Bobotjie Dumplings; they arrived in four tiny parcels with the bobotjie mince inside them accompanied with a yogurt dressing. Unfortunately the</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"> spring roll starter was a disaster as the cheese inside the rolls were still frozen. They were sent back and a new batch was brought back straight away</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The mains consisted of a the Camembert and Cranberry Chicken burger, a roasted beetroot and butternut salad, and finally Calamari of the day which was deep fried calamari. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The chicken burger was gigantic as it arrived with two huge crumbed chicken breasts, that were unfortunately bland in flavour and the crumbs too heavy to eat; leaving it impossible to eat the full two breasts and burger. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The salad was average as there were only three pieces of beetroot and butternut on the plate with very little goats cheese. If one was to order a salad like this the best places to order from are either Balducci's or Col'Cacchio who have this salad down to a tee. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The calamari where an overall disappointment as everyone around the restaurant didn't enjoy the dish. Complaints were coming left, right and centre leaving the front of house staff totally bewildered and at a loss on what to do. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The coating of the calarmari was so heavy that people started to pick it off and just eat the calamari inside or they just left the dish alone and not even bothering to eat it at all. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">It was a real disappointing afternoon as the food was definitely not up to the standards of what it could be. Aesthetically the presentation of the food was mind blowing but unfortunately the cooking let it down. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Let's hope that things improve as they certainly do have the potential to produce world class meals. Would I go back? Yes, I am willing to give Simon's the benefit of the doubt this time and would return one more time to try out the food. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-28636375652889597082010-08-31T23:59:00.000-07:002010-09-01T00:00:27.210-07:00Best Of Thai: Yindees<span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255); font-family: courier new;">I will be the first to admit that I am not the most adventurous when it comes to trying food but last night I decided to go for something different and try out traditional Thai cuisine. No better place than Yindees, right?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255); font-family: courier new;">I loved the rustic, dark atmosphere upon walking in as I was greeted with warm smiles by all the staff members. I had the option to sit at a normal table or on a deck that had scatter cushions and low tables. There was no question about it, the scatter cushions were a winner!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255); font-family: courier new;">The waitress was great in that we were not pressured to eat at all, and she wasn't constantly coming to our table to ask us if she could get us anything. She read our vibe well in that we just wanted a relaxing evening in which we wnated to talk and take our time in deciding what to eat and drink.<br /><br />We finished off a whole bottle of wine before we even looked at the menu and breaking all nutritional rules we decided to finally order something at 10:30pm.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255); font-family: courier new;">Opting for three side dishes; the Satay combo of chicken, vegetable and beef skewers which was accompanied by a very tasty peanut sauce, the duck spring rolls and a vegetable tempura. The flavours where so refreshing and light. While the presentation of the dishes were well done too. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255); font-family: courier new;">I must admit we dragged on the night as we only left just after 12pm and we were the only ones there after 10pm but the staff were great as we felt under no pressure at all to leave at all, and that was great.<br /><br />I highly recommend that everyone gives it a tryas it blows my mind as to why I have never been to Yindees before; but one things is for sure I will definitely be returning soon. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-23127265104154365042010-08-28T23:17:00.000-07:002010-08-30T08:41:21.581-07:00Bombay Bicycle Club<span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">My daily routine sees me drive along Kloof street everyday and no matter how much I try not to, I always look at the beautifully decorated Bombay Bicycle club and wish I could eat there one night. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Saturday night I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to go, as it was a friend's birthday. Had it not been the birthday I think I would find myself a year later still wishing I had tried it out. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Just walking into the restaurant was mind blowing itself. Not one table is the same. Each table is decorated with different objects, while the room is so busy with stuff hanging off the walls and roof you spend more time worrying about the decorations than the menu, but that just added to the whole relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Their infamous chilli chocolate steak was a special, along with R99 for a kilogram of prawns (amazing deal), while crumbed veal and a seafood curry was also on the specials list. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">I opted for the oven roasted beef with caramelised onion and a cranberry, port, mushroom reduction sauce at R140. The sauce was amazing but I felt the beef could have been more tender throughout. I felt like I was severed two different beef steaks cut up and served on to one dish. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The birthday girl had the chilli chocolate sauce steak. The dish came with three medallions on a skewer with some fried, noodle vibe that looked like something had landed on the dish. Nevertheless I believe the actual dish itself was amazing. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The kilogram of prawns dish was huge, but for the seafood lover it was amazing; definitely hitting the hunger spot. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The desserts looked amazing as the chocolate cigars were definitely the most popular amongst the table. Each dessert costs R36. A warning though, should one wish to bring their own dessert or cake Bombay do charge a 'cakage' fee of R50. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Mixed results overall, but I would recommend a try. The whole ambiance in itself is worth checking out. But be warned prices are high and you might want to make sure you have some money saved before going in. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-83804055305509927992010-08-26T08:37:00.000-07:002010-08-26T09:03:52.949-07:00Beluga Simply The Best<span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">This is a late review simply because of the fact I was hoping to dine at another sushi restaurant and compare the two. The comparison would be between Beluga, the fine-dining, first date, upper-class restaurant to that of a low-key, relaxed, light-on-the budget, student type sushi restaurant. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">However; after analysing my funds and realising that I have one hell of an expensive weekend coming up; I would have to fight the colossal sushi craving and put the review aside until the funds are more flexible to spend. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">When sushi cravings strike, they strike in full force! Last Sunday was no different, so I decided to take advantage of the half-price sushi and cocktail special at Beluga and what an absolute pleasure it was to dine there. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">There is something about fine-dining that just makes me so excited. You get to dress up smartly, as opposed to going to a casual- everyday restaurant, the serviettes are cotton, the waiters are all in shirts and chinos and the ambiance is something that is separate to the usual cafe and restaurant scene. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">On previous occasions I have had the pleasure of trying out the seared tuna sashimi, salmon roses, the crab salad as well as the tuna sashimi salad but this time I opted for something different. We decided to go the traditional sushi route ordering the tuna and salmon platter. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The platter consisted of a salmon rainbow rolls, tuna and salmon nigiri rolls and tuna California rolls. Once again the presentation was flawless and the sushi was so tasty: with the salmon and tuna just melting in the mouth. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">A real winner of a restaurant, and quite frankly one of the best, if not the best place to have sushi in Cape Town. The specials are on everyday until 7pm, and are well worth a try. Bookings are essential as it is always full with sushi and cocktail lovers. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">A tad pricey if you don't use the half price special or if you order something from the normal menu but the quality of the food is amazing and well worth paying for flavours like that. Once again a customer left more than satisfied. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-89118480601445199852010-08-20T16:40:00.000-07:002010-08-21T04:52:25.443-07:00Assembly: Discoteque is Electric City<span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">First of all I would like to thank Cape Town Alive for making tonight possible. Cape Town Alive is an online guide to everything and anything that is happening in Cape Town. It is one of the most updated websites that brings information on any gig or event that is happening in 'The Mother City'.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">During the week they give away tickets to certain events and I was extremely fortunate enough to win a ticket to Assembly last night which saw a host of Electro DJ's play some awesome tunes. The theme was 'Discoteque is Electric City' and it really was. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The DJ's were amazing, the vibe was pumping as everyone was having an awesome time once again. I have to admit, I first went to Assembly three years ago and wasn't at all impressed but I since returned about six weeks ago and have been back four times since then. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">The Assembly has won me over to such an extent that I have even resorted to buying tickets online so I don't miss out on the events. Week in and week out Assembly never fails to deliver a good evening and I highly recommend that everyone gives it a try. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Next week Friday will see Havana Club Rum presenting Castle Vania. It is bound to be an epic night. Tickets are available online for R60 or at the door for R90. Doors Open at 9pm. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Don't miss it!</span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-23285694406415521192010-08-18T14:06:00.000-07:002010-08-19T23:50:45.161-07:00Nu Metro's Woza Wednesdays<span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Tonight I found myself somewhat reminiscent as I strolled into the Waterfront's Nu Metro Cinema which was packed full of people looking to capitalise on Nu Metro's half price movie ticket special. For years now Nu metro have been supplying the public with half price movies on a Wednesday evening, and it has never failed to bring in the viewers, no matter what age. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Why reminiscent? Well, back in the days when I was at school Woza Wednesday was the night to go out on a school night and say you "Yeh, I went out". It gave us a sense of being 'cool'. We never had to wait until the weekend to stay up past 10pm or 11pm; Wednesday was they night. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">It was considered our first step into the young adult life before becoming legal because then we could go out to all the parties and drink alcohol, and stay up even later. Therefore, Nu Metro on a Wednesday and Ster Kinekor on Tuesday where the nights to go out. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">My mate and I went there to try and watch the much talked about Inception; to no surprise it was fully booked, despite being on air for weeks. Ultimately we opted to watch the Grown Ups which was a fun light hearted comedy and well worth the R18. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">It felt just like being back at when I was at school as the smell of pop-corn floated around the cinema, slushy puppies where being drunk and the crackling of sweet papers could be heard in between the odd scene in which there was no laughter. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new; color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">It really was a good, chilled night out. Much different to what us 21-year-olds usually do and I enjoyed every minute of it. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-57360709462804058222010-08-15T13:03:00.001-07:002010-08-16T02:01:27.559-07:00Willoughby's The Place To Be<span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >Willoughbys, one of the Waterfront's longest standing restaurants and a favourite for tourists and locals looking for a good, well priced meal. Situated next to @Home and opposite Clicks this bustling restaurant lies in the middle of the corridor in the Waterfront, where it turns over tables faster than you can say 'sushi', yet still producing amazingly consistent dishes.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >With fish being their speciality, Willoughbys also has a few dishes that cater for the non-sea lovers, which are undoubtedly also worth a try, while their vast selection of wines and cheeses (supplied by the renowned Fairview) caters for all palates.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >After a horrid week of running around for everyone my dad surprised me by taking me out to Willoughby's for a 'pick-me-up' dinner. Following my new appreciation for certain fish, I decided to have the crab salad. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >Usually a started in traditional sushi restaurants, Willoughby's offers it as a main dish at just 60 bucks. This simple salad that contains no more than five ingredients is scrumptiously delicious and fills the hunger spot up perfectly without making you feel like you have over eaten. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >My dad opted for sushi in which he ordered the Rainbow Nation Roll. This sushi looked amazing as it was a California roll that had both Tuna and Salmon together with avocado inside, topped with a dropping of mayonnaise and some caviar. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >The colours of the dish were aesthetically pleasing as it really did look like a rainbow. With eight generously sized pieces the sushi stood no chance as it won my dad over. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:courier new;" >Once again a winner of a restaurant and it is no wonder why one will always find a queue past @Home's door should one get there after 7pm. Nevertheless, the queue moves quickly and it is well worth the wait. A prompt return is much anticipated. </span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412899990772405784.post-22597526367271356812010-08-11T11:23:00.000-07:002010-08-11T15:04:04.996-07:00Bayside Cafe: Camps Bay & Woolies Sale<span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 255);font-family:courier new;" >There is no mistaking why the Bayside Cafe in Camps Bay is one of the oldest restaurants in Camps Bay; their wide menu, catering for all types of foodies, and its decent prices has seen locals and foreigners flock to the road side restaurant. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 255);font-family:courier new;" >Today I met a good friend, who I haven't seen in a year, for a good catch-up session. Naturally the Bayside called our name and it didn't fail to deliver. The service was good and the food brilliant as I ordered a Hawaiian chicken wrap and my friend a line fish and grilled calamari combo. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 255);font-family:courier new;" >The portions were overly generous and the prices decent, with my wrap coming in at R68 and the the fish combo R98. A side plate was also included that had roasted baby onions (yum yum) and the traditional creamed spinach and butternut. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 255);font-family:courier new;" >A wonderful sunny day in Camps Bay as the little village was pumping with people looking to treat themselves with good food and fine weather.<br /><br />I highly recommend The Bayside Cafe as they also have a free winter meal special that seems to be a winner: might as well utilise the special while it lasts as it will be ending soon.<br /><br />Finally, I am not one for shopping and least of all one for sales. I find them messy and chaotic and often people just dump the items wherever they deem fine IE: the majority of the time on the floor.<br /><br />However; yesterday I walked into Woolies at Piazza St Johns and the Woolies at the Waterfront and both where well organised. Items were not piled all on top of each other or thrown on the floor.Making it a plesant shopping experience!<br /><br />I recommend taking a look at the sale as the prices are outrageously good and the items are, as per usual Woolworths quality, excellent!<br /><br />Check it out, this should not be missed!But be warned, the spring collection is out too and it is looking as fabulous as ever so you might need to be taking out a mortgage to pay off the bills because it is oh so tempting!<br /></span>Milanistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609621812075102865noreply@blogger.com0